The health and wellbeing benefits of a snow holiday
This is a collaborative post.
Are you thinking of trying a different type of holiday for your next big getaway? While a holiday in the sun has its appeal, there’s something special about swapping your swimsuit for skis and your freshly squeezed orange juice for a hot chocolate.
As well as offering new adventures, a snow holiday offers health benefits. Want to know what these are? Read on to find out how a stay in the snow could be the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit in stunning wintry surroundings.
What is a snow holiday?
There’s something magical about spending time in the snow. But getting away for a winter escape makes it even better. A snow holiday involves swapping traditional sun-soaked holidays for the beauty and calmness of wintry landscapes.
As well as the setting being different, the way you experience this type of holiday is different from your typical summery getaway too. From the clothes you will wear and your accommodation to the activities you try, you’ll find that a snow holiday is a whole new experience.
Activities to try
These getaways offer the chance to try out a range of winter sports and activities. There are gentle ways to experience the setting, such as snowshoeing. Other winter holidaymakers love the rush of hurtling down the slopes as they try their hand at skiing, snowboarding, or dog sledging.
The diverse range of activities is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re new to these winter sports or not, you’ll be able to access classes and instructors who can show you the ropes. For instance, if you’re a novice when it comes to skiing, you’ll be able to join a class designed for your level and you can slowly build up as your skillset improves. Some resorts are much better for beginners than others so do look properly into what each resort offers.
The physical health benefits
By trying your hand at winter sports during a snow holiday, you’ll discover there are numerous health benefits. Skiing and snowboarding, in particular, are excellent cardiovascular exercises that also strengthen muscles, enhance balance, and improve coordination. The physical demands of these activities contribute to an overall improvement in fitness levels.
As these are weight-bearing exercises, you’ll also find that your knees and legs build up in strength. This is because a lot of the tension as you make your way down the mountain is in your legs and this enhances flexibility.
Even activities like snowshoeing and hiking through snow-covered trails provide a low-impact workout. These can gradually build your stamina, especially if you’re walking through thick snow as this is a gentle form of weight training for the muscles in the legs.
The benefits for your mental wellbeing
Beyond the physical benefits, a snow holiday significantly impacts mental wellbeing. The crisp winter air, combined with the peaceful surroundings, helps reduce stress levels.
Stress and anxiety can have a physical effect on the body, from causing headaches to palpitations. By taking a week or two away from the everyday in a serene wintry landscape can have a soothing effect.
The opportunity to disconnect from digital distractions and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of winter landscapes also contributes to your emotional and mental health. By removing yourself from these typical distractions and swapping digital games for physical activities, you may find that it has a positive impact on your mood. The adrenaline rush from engaging in winter sports, for instance, contributes to a sense of joy and contentment, serving as the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Top tips for a snow holiday
If you’re considering a wintry escape, here are the key points to consider:
- Pack well: Make sure that you have the essentials before you fly. Invest in skiwear, add layers and thermals to keep you warm, and check ahead to see if you can rent equipment.
- Look out for deals: Packages that include ski passes and other essentials are often available when you’re booking, so make sure you research what’s on offer in the region you’re visiting. Also, make sure you book your airport transfers ahead of your trip so you can get your holiday underway as soon as possible.
- Look after your skin: The winter sun on the slopes in Bulgaria can be just as damaging as it is when you’re on a beach in the Med. Invest in sun cream and look after the delicate skin on your lips too.
Where to go
After looking at all the above benefits, the only choice left for you to make is simple: where to go! The choice of activities available can vary depending on the destination. Renowned ski resorts like Chamonix and Courchevel in the French Alps, skiing and snowboarding take centre stage. The pristine slopes and breathtaking vistas attract winter sports enthusiasts seeking thrills and challenges. Further afield, you might consider Canada, but this will depend on your budget and time off work.
In Norway, the stunning fjords and remote mountain villages offer a different experience. Cross-country skiing and husky sledging adventures provide a tranquil setting for those who prefer a more relaxed pace in the serene Nordic landscapes.
Bulgaria, with resorts like Borovets and Bansko, stand out for its affordability and charm. These destinations offer excellent options for skiing and snowboarding, complemented by vibrant après-ski scenes. The alpine villages provide a cosy atmosphere, making Bulgaria an attractive option for both winter sports enthusiasts and those looking for a more laid-back holiday.
As these destinations are so popular, getting there and around once you’re in your resort is easy. Everything from getting to your resort to getting up the mountain is covered, thanks to ski lifts, onsite maps, in-resort guides and airport transfers. So, if you’re heading to Bansko this winter season, you can easily get to and from Sofia Airport.
